Moorland Rescue for Twites, Yorkshire, England

Hebden Bridge is a market town in Calderdale, West Yorkshire where the rivers Calder and Hebden meet. Originally a mill town famous for its many weaving mills, it is now a lively, cosmopolitan town renowned for its many artists, writers and musicians. Hebden Bridge is also a Fairtrade town displaying its commitment to the promotion of fair-trade goods. The practical work is up on the wide expenses of the Pennine Moors with wide open landscapes and stunning views.

This project is for the Pennine Prospects Watershed Landscapes programme that is working to restore and enhance the wildlife value of the South Pennines (especially for the Twite or Peninne Finch). Our main task is the complete removal of an isolated patch of rhododendron that has appeared recently on Hepstonstall Moor. We will be cutting the bushes and loading the material into builder's sacks for removal by quad bike for disposal off site. This is a strenuous project involving a half hour walk across the heather moorland to site.

For the second half of the project we will be working at Makinholes or Hardcastle Crags doing some drystone walling repairs.

Blakedean Scout Hostel is a converted Chapel Sunday School up above the market town of Hebden Bridge, a mix of smart tourism and alternative culture. Sitting on the edge of the moors, the hostel is ideal for walks to Hardcastle Crags and to the nearby pub. There are two ten person dormitories, a large dining area / lounge, separate male / female washrooms and a large adjoining shower room. With a large grassed area with views over the moors the accommodation is in a very enviable location.

There is a lively music and pub scene in Hebden Bridge or enjoy plenty of walks in the Valley with superb woodlands and gentle canal strolls. The Bronte Trail is just over the hill at Haworth or why not take the opportunity to see the urban food growing initiative of Incredible Edible in Todmorden.